Just one in four advisors discussing implications of Mayfield Review

One in four UK adviser firms are already discussing the Mayfield Review and its recommendations with clients but more need to be engaging with its implications, according to new research carried out on behalf of Reframe Cancer.

The research, conducted among 29 UK adviser firms, found that 25% are raising the Mayfield Review and the Keep Britain Working report in client conversations. The review, delivered in late 2025, called for a fundamental shift in the way workplace health is managed, with shared responsibility across employers, employees and health service providers, alongside a stronger focus on prevention and early intervention.

A three-year Vanguard Phase is now under way to test new approaches to workplace health before the final recommendations are agreed.

However, the research found that the majority of firms are not currently discussing the report and findings with clients.

Reframe Cancer CEO Mark Stephenson (pictured) said it was good that 25% of advisors were talking to clients about the recommendations, but that the figure needed to be higher.

‘We are now in the three year Vanguard Phase of the Mayfield Review and Keep Britain Working report and recommendations. So, whilst nothing specific is set in stone, there are several important points that we do know, and these fundamentals won’t change. The requirement for partnership working across employers, employees and providers of health services is a core recommendation, added to this the greater focus on prevention and early intervention. This means a bigger onus on employers to be more proactive when it comes to employee health and wellbeing, not just reacting to issues as and when they arise,’ he said.

Stephenson said the Mayfield Review was one of the biggest developments to impact UK corporates in recent years.

‘Economic inactivity caused by ill health that prevents work is estimated to be costing the UK £212 billion a year and rising. The cost attributable to cancer is estimated to be £12 billion of this. Given this, whilst it is brilliant news that 72% of adviser firms say they are talking to clients about the potential financial cost of cancer, it is concerning that 28% say they rarely are. One in two people will get cancer in their lifetime, having the right protection policy in place is vital and can help patients navigate their cancer pathway and lessen the steep financial impact that cancer can have,’ he added.